After 16 years at Nebraska Public Power District Economist, Dr. Ken Lemke, is retiring.
During Ken’s tenure, he’s focused on target industry analysis, economic impact analysis, and research to support economic growth within Nebraska and NPPD’s service area.
“Ken has been an invaluable teammate and resource for NPPD,” said Nicole Sedlacek, NPPD Economic Development Manager. “He is known for asking probing and thought-provoking questions and is always thinking ten steps ahead. His knowledge and insight will be sorely missed.”
“I enjoyed working with colleagues in economic development and across NPPD,” Ken said, “and I’m very happy my position at NPPD provided the opportunity to reconnect with economic development colleagues across the state.”
Prior to joining NPPD, Ken was an economist for an economic consulting firm in Alaska and Washington State. Before moving to Alaska, he was director of regional development at Peru State College, manager of business research for DTN in Omaha, and an economist for the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
Ken is also retired from the U.S. Army Reserve, serving 26 years of reserve and active duty. During his last six years of service, Ken was battalion commander of armor training units in Lincoln and Omaha.
So what does one do after such a varied and interesting career? “Anything I want!” Ken replies. And that anything will probably include traveling with his wife, Pat, kayaking, paddleboarding, visiting his sons, Ryan and Aaron and their families, and tooling around town in his convertible.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 60-some year career, it’s this,” Ken said. ”Be brief. So, with that, goodbye.”
Ken’s last day in the office will be March 1.